April 3

I think it's fair to say that we approached our first-ever visit to Cars Land with equal parts anticipation and trepidation. After all, it's become something of a silent and powerful yet untouched force in our world since it opened several years ago, partly because Logan loved all-things Cars with ardent dedication, and partly because it was supposed to be the destination for his Make-a-Wish trip. The request was granted. It was supposed to happen. We were supposed to get see his eyes glow as he rode the rides and met Red the Fire Engine and checked out Radiator Springs. But of course, we didn't get those moments. So it was hard to go without him --so hard that we managed to avoid it all this time-- but it was also unfair to deny another big Cars fan --Brady-- the chance to see some of his favorite "actors" in the flesh. So today, we decided, was the day.

While Adam waited in the fast pass line for the wildly popular Radiator Springs Racers, I took the kiddos --and Lambie, who escaped the backpack to be part of the action-- to our first ride of the day: Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. I had serious misgivings over not waiting for Adam, especially given the weight of being there in that place Logan would've loved so much for the first time, but he insisted we go, so we did. And wouldn't you know it, just as we were ushered into position to board the ride, Adam appeared and was able to join us after all.

A few things stood out to me as I watched my family today. One was the look of wonder on *Adam's* face as we walked along Route 66. "This is perfect," he breathed. And I had to agree. Another was how careful Abby was to make sure Lambie was always included. And a third was how Brady watched with great interest as DJ appeared in the street and led a late-afternoon dance party. We were in line to see Red at the time so we didn't join in, but I had flashbacks to the time Logan unabashedly danced to the music from the Main Street parade. Different, of course, but a reminder that there is so much of him in all of us.

And that little nugget of truth is of infinite value to me.